In the race for Contra Costa County Supervisor in District 5, the incumbent, Federal Glover has an overwhelming lead in campaign funding in his bid for a fifth term. Reports were due on Thursday, April 28 covering the period of January 1 through April 23, 2016 and only three of the five candidates submitted one.

He reported raising $26,894 during the period, but started with a beginning cash balance of $37,372.32 in his campaign account. Glover carried over $23,616.51 from his 2012 re-election campaign account and didn’t start raising funds for his 2016 re-election campaign until 2014, for a total of $5,025 for that year. Then, last year he raised another $13,055 for a total of $45,469 raised for this year’s re-election effort,

Glover also has an Officeholder Account which had $68,918.40 in the bank at the beginning of the year. However, he stated today, Thursday, May 12, 2016, that (correcting the record from previous misinformation provided to this reporter) those funds can not be spent on his re-election campaign.

“I wish I had that money for my campaign,” Glover said with a laugh.

The other two who submitted reports were Martinez Vice Mayor AnaMarie Avila Farias, who was in a distant second, having raised $7,000 and Hercules Mayor Dan Romero, who reported raising $5,655.

A supervisor candidate’s campaign committee is required to file a Form 460 financial report to the County Clerk’s Office, if they have raised or spent $2,000 or more in an election. However, the filing and ballot statement fees are not counted against that amount.

“It just got turned in. There was a mix up,” Dandridge said. “I turned it into the state.”

“I have just started raising money after the 23rd but, I turned one in anyhow for transparency,” he added. “I hadn’t raised $2,000 but I am at that threshold, now. I got donations, last week.

Asked if he was a serious candidate since he hadn’t raised at least $2,000 by April 23rd, Dandridge responded, “I am a serious candidate.”

“My learning curve, based on my first, and only race, when I first ran in 2006, I learned some serious lessons that I am applying, now,” Dandridge continued. “Last time I was a self-funded candidate. Had the option to do that, now but don’t plan to do that this time. We have a Go-Fund me page. Folks wanted to fund me early on, but I told them to wait. But, the funds are coming in.”

Glover’s largest contribution during the reporting period was $5,000 from I.B.E.W. Local Union No. 302 PAC. Glover spent a total of $41,915.74 from both accounts, with almost half of that, $20,245.67 paid to Rossi Communications, for his campaign consultant Mary Jo Rossi. He ended the period with $25,388.35 in the bank.

Avila Farias’s largest contribution was $5,000 from the Professional Firefighters in the county. She showed no expenses, although she has large campaign signs up in the District.

When asked why the expense was not reported, Avila Farias replied “We hadn’t been invoiced for them, yet.”

She also stated she had received another $5,000 contribution from the Deputy Sheriffs Association, since the reporting period ended.

Romero’s largest contributions were $1,675 received from Republic Services, one of the garbage companies in the county, and $1,500 from Sonnikson Stordahl Construction in Martinez.

Menesini did not respond to efforts to contact him for this story.

Please see the reports, below. Additional reports for Glover have been added for the periods he raised funds for his 2016 re-election campaign committee. All of his reports prior to that period can be seen on the County Elections Office website.

Tonight, Thursday, May 12, 2016 at 7:00 pm at St. Ignatius of Antioch 3351 Contra Loma Blvd in Antioch, a coalition of Contra Costa county community-based organizations, faith leaders and residents will hold a Candidate Forum with candidates running for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisor District 3 and 5. Candidates will be asked questions on how they plan to make and impact on racial justice, the criminal justice system, affordable housing, education, health care, job creation, poverty and inequality, and the environment specifically for East Contra Costa County. This historical 2016 Board of supervisor race presents an opportunity for community leaders to know the candidates. In the past, candidates running in these Districts have ran unopposed.

Thursday’s Town Hall is an organized community response to organizing efforts where residents have been advocating at the county level for justice reinvestment where more county funds would and could be reallocated to support service for community and not for mass incarceration practices.

The Outcome of Town Hall

During Thursday night’s meeting, more than 100 county residents will ask several questions to the candidates to know where they stand on important issues such as racial justice, the criminal justice system, affordable housing, education, health care, job creation, poverty and inequality, and the environment.

About CCISCO

CCISCO is a member of the PICO National Network and PICO California. The organization believes that all faith communities are called to seek justice and peace for all people. CCISCO answers this call by empowering people to transform their communities. CCISCO is a unique community organization in the region that is successfully building bridges across boundaries of faith, race, geography, generation and economic class. We believe in building unity through diversity. Since 1996, CCISCO has been an organizing voice for justice and equity in Contra Costa County. The organization is a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, interfaith federation of 25 congregations and youth institutions representing over 35,000 families. CCISCO provides leadership training through our member institutions that help channel their power and ability to effect change in their local communities and put their faith into action.

About Contra Costa County Racial Justice Coalition (CCCRJC)

CCCRJC is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to eliminating racial inequalities in Contra Costa. We are people who live and work here. We know from current research and our own experience that racism is very much a part of the problem. Systemic bias against people of color is a reality we see every day, and we will not stand for more of the same.

Professional wrestling promotion Beachslam kicked off its second season Saturday, April 16, at Sonja’s Country Inn in Knightsen in front of approximately 120 spectators.

Beachslam is affiliated with a popular promotion in Oakland called Hoodslam that regularly welcomes an audience of 1,000-1,500 people; which is almost unheard of for an independent show that does not tour.

The matchcard featured top local draws such as Rick-Scott Stoner and “Ultra Girl” Brittany Wonder, whom teamed up with Christian Sky for the first round of a trios tournament. The loudest crowd pop of the night came when Stoner lifted one of his opponents, Bobby Burgerhands, in the air for a Last Ride powerbomb and was followed by a top rope seated senton from Wonder, which finished the match via pinfall.

“We’ve never done it before. We talked about it. We came up with the idea, but it always ended up getting scrapped,” Wonder said about the finishing move. “That was the first Turn Down for Butt from the shoulders.”

The rest of the card resulted in Sideshow Joel, Marcus Eriks and Trent Hemorrage defeating heel stable The Berkeley Banditos, C.A.U.T.I.O.N. putting over Hayward Heat, and Zangief winning a fatal four-way match. The host of the evening was AJ Kirsch, who is best known as a cast member of WWE’s reality competition show Tough Enough in 2011.

Beachslam is only for adults 21 years old and up. Although pro wrestling has generally been family friendly throughout its history, the owners decided to target an adult consumership to separate themselves from the competition. Beachslam originated in Santa Cruz in 2015, but relocated to Sonja’s Country Inn due to conflict of interest with the venue. For the second season there will be shows every second Saturday of the month.

Stockton – Kathryn Nance, current President of the Stockton Police Officers Association and a 19-year member of the Stockton Police Department, today received the endorsement of the Northern California Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors in her campaign for Congress against incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney in California’s 9th District.

“Taxpayers deserve the best quality at the best price,” said Michele Daugherty, President and CEO of ABC NorCal. “Kathryn Nance is a strong supporter of fair and open competition. The Associated Builders and Contractors and its close to 500 Northern California contractor members look forward to working with Kathryn Nance to promote new jobs and get our local economy moving again,”

Today ABC NorCal represents close to 500 companies across Northern California and trains over 300 apprentices per year in its five state and federally approved apprenticeship programs. Members and their employees are also offered Construction Craft Training, Green and Renewable Energy Training, Management and Supervisory Education, Safety, and Labor Compliance.

Born and raised in the Stockton area, Kathryn Nance is a 19 year veteran of the Stockton Police Department, currently serving as a Sergeant with the Department’s AB109 Task Force and as President of the Stockton Police Officers Association. She has previously served as a Field Training Officer and as a member of the Department’s Gang and Homicide units.

She is married to her husband of 10 years, James Nance, who also serves as an officer with the Stockton Police Department. Together, they have a blended family of four children, ranging in ages of 15 to 23. Kathryn is an avid outdoors enthusiast and enjoys activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and CrossFit. Kathryn also serves as the Chairwoman of Stockton’s annual “Strides Against Cancer” relay.

The 9th Congressional District includes parts of Eastern Contra Costa County, plus most of San Joaquin County and a small portion of Sacramento County.

Doug Hardcastle is the best candidate for the job of Contra Costa County Supervisor. He is an all-around upstanding citizen and servant to his country and community. Doug served his country in the military; public office in his community, and owns a business in the county.

Doug is a proven leader and is not afraid to take on the tough issues. His combination of experience, knowledge and commitment to serve the people of Contra Costa is unsurpassed by no other candidate.

Doug Hardcastle has been the first candidate to take immediate action on the incumbent by speaking out against the 33% pay increase that she voted to give herself. This was one example of continued wasteful spending by the county. Fortunately, the incumbent backed out before the increase could be put in place.

We need to elect Doug Hardcastle June 7th, and provide new, strong, proven leadership on the Board of Supervisors. Please join me in voting for Doug Hardcastle on June 7th. To get involved in his campaign, please visit www.doughardcastle.com.

The six candidates for county supervisor representing East County’s District 3 agreed on the need to protect the Delta and improve public safety and transportation at a recent League of Women Voters debate. They differed, however, in their priorities if given the opportunity to replace Mary Piepho, who is not running for re-election after 11 year on the Board of Supervisors.

Brentwood City Councilman Steve Barr said his top priority, based on what he’s heard from his constituents, is public safety. “We’ve always maintained our police force at a level to keep our community safe,” he said. “And that starts at the county with the county sheriff.”

To provide that level of safety in the unincorporated areas of the county, compensation for sheriff’s deputies needs to be increased, he said. “I’ve looked at those budgets and where the pay rates are, and they are not meeting the needs of the residents of the county,” said Barr.

East Bay Regional Park District board member Diane Burgis, who is also a former Oakley City Council member and executive director of Friends of Marsh Creek Watershed, is focused on environmental issues. Like the other candidates, she believes the Delta’s water quality will suffer if the state goes through with its plan to construct tunnels siphoning water from north of the Delta and sending it to central and southern California.

“District 3 deserves and needs a county supervisor that’s going to be a champion for the Delta, and make sure that we are a voice making sure that Delta tunnel is not built and our water is protected,” said Burgis.

Oakley City Councilman Doug Hardcastle’s main focus is fiscal responsibility in government. Like many, he was outraged when the supervisors approved a $32,000 pay raise for themselves before being pressured to reduce it to a 12 percent pay hike.

“I will bring more financial stability” if elected, Hardcastle said. “Not to go after people’s wages or anything, but there’s always waste. [We need to] look at it like you would your own house or whatever. You’re going to make that dollar go as best you can. You’re not going to be frivolous with your own money. We’ve got to treat that money like our money and not government money.”

Antioch Mayor Wade Harper, who is a former Tracy police officer, shares Barr’s interest in improving public safety by increasing compensation for sheriff’s deputies and firefighters.

“[I’m] seeing we don’t have enough firefighters, we don’t have enough fire stations to cover 250 square miles, over 100,000 people,” said Harper. “Looking at the police out there, knowing the sheriff’s department is going to be used as a training ground because they don’t have the proper pay and benefits.”

Antioch’s rate of violent crime is nearly twice as high as the California average, according to Neighborhood Scout. Harper acknowledged that the increase in low-income Section 8 housing in the city has contributed to the problem.

“There’s a need not only for affordable housing, but for safe housing,” he said.

Odessa Lefrancois, president of the East County Branch of the NAACP for six years, and a retired Navy veteran who works for the county as a respiratory therapist, wants more governmental social service programs in East County.

“I’ve sat back and looked at the county, studied the budget and kind of realized that a lot of the resources, especially after I moved out to far East Contra Costa County, haven’t been allocated out in that area,” she said. “When I … see how people are treated in one part of the county versus another part of the county, and we’re all paying property taxes, and we don’t have the same resources, and people are actually sitting on Highway 4 a lot longer. We’re not able to live, play and worship in a community that we actually would like to be in.”

Antioch City Councilwoman Monica Wilson shares Lefrancois’ desire to increase government services in East County.

“I believe that it’s time for East Contra Costa to have the access to job training, affordable health care, education, economic development,” she said. “[H]ow do we support [East County’s] industry and make sure that they are surviving, that they can hire more? And also look at industries such as advanced manufacturing, biomedical and energy. And finally, people want to come home to safe communities. They want to come home, raise their kids, have a wonderful life and still feel safe.”

The candidates also had varying stories of how they decided to run for office.

Barr said a friend suggested he apply for a vacancy on the school board, which he did and then was elected to another term. “I think my ability to work with people, solve problems and with my financial background, I made a good candidate,” he said. “And that’s why I’m in politics today and serve now on the City Council.”

Burgis said that she is a divorced mother of three boys under 10. “[A]nd I wanted to live in a place that I could be proud of, where they would be safe and they could go to good schools,” she said. “The reason why I’m running for county supervisor is that I have this regional experience. I have this really strong experience with the Delta. I have strong shoulders, a compassionate heart, I’m really smart and I want to make a difference in my community.”

Hardcastle said he was motivated to run after a confrontation with Piepho over the supervisors’ initial pay raise.

“When the Board of Supervisors voted to give themselves a $30,000 a year raise, I was furious,” he said. “I told one of the supervisors that I serve on many boards [with that I] was going to run against this person. She said, ‘Well, why?’ I said, ‘I think you’ve lost touch with the people that you’re supposed to serve.’ When we take a position in public service, it’s service. It’s not to make ourselves any better, not to financially make our lives better. It’s to serve the people out there. So, like I said, when they voted for the $30,000 a year raise, I said, ‘You’ve lost touch because there’s a lot of people that you serve that don’t even make $30,000 a year.

Harper said his motivation for running for office is simple.

“I just want to help people,” he said. “I’ve never lost an election. When you win an election they call you a politician. I don’t want to be a politician. I just want to help people. I served in law enforcement for 24 years. I started off as a police dispatcher, worked my way up through the ranks. I volunteered for the school attendance review board for the high school. I’m now teaching part-time at the local high school. And I’m training up the next generation of police officers. My family was in ministry. I am a minister. And it is in my heart to help people.”

Lefrancois said there are two types of people in the world – doers and complainers – and she’s the former.

“I learned a long time ago that you can sit around and complain about things, or you can be somebody that actually makes things happen,” she said. “Twenty-one years I spent on active duty in the military, and that’s the lesson that I learned. I think I bring leadership and accountability, responsibility and a dedication to make something happen. Because it isn’t about me. It’s about making sure that every resident out in far East Contra Costa has a say in how their dollars are spent and what type of life they should have.”

Wilson got involved after struggling during the Great Recession.

“Back in the early ‘70s when my parents moved to the Bay Area, they were able to buy a home, raise three kids and had jobs that paid affordable wages,” she said. “Fast forward 2008, I go to buy my home, two weeks later the economy crashed, I lose my job. I used a lot of my savings to keep myself afloat. So I got involved in my community. I eventually was appointed to the Economic Development Commission.

“And then eventually I ran for the City Council. I ran for a seat I wasn’t supposed to win. And I went out there and I worked really hard to let the community know who I was and I was serious about running. I now currently work for the Workforce Development Board. I work with a lot of people in the community ranging from 16 all the way up to people in their 60s and 70s making sure that they have job training available to them so they can get jobs that pay them livable wages.”

The entire candidates’ forum can be viewed on Contra Costa TV. CCTV is available to AT&T U-verse customers on Channel 99, on Channel 27 for Comcast customers and on Channel 32 for Wave customers in Concord. Following is the schedule for the remainder of May: Sundays at 9:00 AM, Mondays at 8:00 PM, Wednesdays at 12:00 PM and Fridays at 3:00 PM.

The election is June 7th. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, then the top two face off in the General Election in November.

Kathryn Nance, current President of the Stockton Police Officers Association and a 19-year member of the Stockton Police Department, today received the endorsement of California Congresswoman Mimi Walters in her campaign for Congress against incumbent Congressman Jerry McNerney.

“California needs capable leaders with the knowledge and experience to get things done in Congress. That’s why I’m proud to endorse and support Kathryn Nance in California’s 9th Congressional District,” said Congresswoman Walters. “Her lifelong ties to her district, as well as her 19 years of experience with the Stockton Police Department, widely known as one of the toughest beats in the state, give her the experience to represent her district effectively as well as the backbone to stand up to D.C special interests. I need a partner in Congress who will work to get things done, and that’s why Kathryn Nance has my full support.”

Walters was elected to Congress in 2014 to represent California’s 45th Congressional District, and was subsequently elected by her colleagues as the Freshman Class Representative to the House Republican Conference leadership team.

The 9th Congressional District encompasses the majority of San Joaquin County, most of Eastern Contra Costa County and the City of Galt in Sacramento County.

“I am honored to have the support of Congresswoman Mimi Walters and looking forward to working with her in Congress,” said Nance. “From agriculture to terrorism, Jerry McNerney has represented liberal out of touch values for far too long. I will be the common sense voice this District wants and needs.”

Born and raised in the Stockton area, Kathryn Nance is a 19-year veteran of the Stockton Police Department, currently serving as a Sergeant with the Department’s AB109 Task Force and as President of the Stockton Police Officers Association. She has previously served as a Field Training Officer and as a member of the Department’s Gang and Homicide units. She is married to her husband of 11 years, James Nance, who also serves as an officer with the Stockton Police Department. Together, they have a blended family of four children, ranging in ages of 15 to 24. Kathryn is an avid outdoors enthusiast and enjoys activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and CrossFit. Kathryn also served as the Chairwoman of Stockton’s annual “Strides Against Cancer” relay.

“I’m excited to launch the Campaign Finance Reform Caucus with my colleague, Congressman Jones,” said McNerney. “Since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, too much campaign spending comes from undisclosed and unregulated sources. We need reform that brings transparency to the campaign finance system and restores the voice of the voters. Our democracy depends on it,” McNerney said. “By bringing together members from both sides of the aisle, the Caucus can address these inequities and advocate for changes to the current system.”

The Center for Responsive Politics reports that total federal election spending in 2012 was more than $6.2 billion, doubling money spent on the 2000 campaign. A joint report issued by the Brookings Institution and the American Enterprise Institute found that, adjusted for inflation, House candidates spend more than 300 percent as much getting elected as they did nearly 30 years ago – an average of $1.6 million dollars every two years.

“I am greatly troubled by the undue influence that fat-cat lobbyists and special interests have in Washington, DC. Now, more than ever, secretive special interest money plays an enormous role in our electoral process and in governing. Beginning in my days in the North Carolina General Assembly, I have long advocated for returning power to the people and getting big money out of politics. Launching this Campaign Finance Reform Caucus is another step in that direction,” said Congressman Jones.

At its inaugural meeting on Thursday, Reps. McNerney and Jones were joined by other Caucus members and were briefed by academic and legal scholars on the history of campaign finance policy and its effects on politics today. The Caucus will hold regular meetings to educate members of Congress and staff about these policies and advocate for relevant policy proposals.

The Caucus is open to all members of Congress and will provide a forum to discuss and advance solutions to reform the way campaigns are financed in this country.

Rep. Jerry McNerney serves the constituents of California’s 9th Congressional District which includes portions of San Joaquin, Sacramento Counties and most of Eastern Contra Costa County. For more information on Rep. McNerney’s work, follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @RepMcNerney.

WHAT: The Contra Costa County Fair will be holding a Job Fair and interviews on Saturday May 7th. Applications and interviews will take place for the 2016 Contra Costa Contra Costa County Fair which will be held Thursday June 2nd – Sunday June 5th. Available positions include but are not limited to: parking and ticket sellers, ticket takers, parking attendants, customer service representatives, janitorial staff, maintenance staff, security guards and more. Fair Management and Department Supervisors are looking for people with a strong work ethics and a high level of customer service who want to be part of the Contra Costa County Fair event. Interested applicants must bring their photo ID and a social security card to the Job Fair. Applications will be available to fill out on-site or are available on-line in advance under the “About Us” tab at www.contracostafair.com

WHY: Each year the Contra Costa County Fair hires roughly 50 – 100 people to work at the annual event, not including the local employees hired directly by our individual food vendors, carnival providers and Livestock department. We are looking for top-notch workers who believe in keeping the Contra Costa County Fair a place where families can expect superior customer service. The goal with the Job Fair is to create a greater level of awareness among Contra Costa County residents that these job opportunities exist at the Contra Costa County Fair. The fact that we are hiring hard working local residents creates a big opportunity for those looking for work